On the afternoon of September 19th, the delegation from Alfred University, USA visited our university to negotiate expanded cooperation between our institutions. The delegation included the following leaders: Prof. Rick Stephens, vice president of Alfred University; Prof. Alastair Cormack, the dean of the School of Engineering; and Prof. Wilfred Huang, the dean of the Confucius Institute. Vice President Zhang Yingjiang was also present at the meeting.

At the beginning, Ms. Amy Long, director of the Department of International Relations, gave a brief introduction of our university and our department, highlighting international joint programs. In the discussion, Alfred University proposed a "3 + 1 + 1" model with us for undergraduate and master students, and they offered to make a 50% scholarship available. They promised to provide our teachers with a good working environment and academic exchange opportunities, and will welcome them to the United States for scientific research, academic exchange and short-term visits. Meanwhile, their students would be encouraged to join our TEFL in China training program for overseas experience.

About Alfred University, USA

Alfred University was founded in 1836 by liberal, independent thinkers who placed high value on education for all citizens and it is the second oldest coeducational college in the United States and one of the earliest nineteenth century colleges to have enrolled African American and Native American students. A striking feature of Alfred University is the fact that its diversity exists in a relatively small institution. Alfred serves approximately 2000 undergraduate and nearly 400 graduate students. This small size has allowed the University to maintain a strong sense of community. Alfred prides itself on offering a personalized education that features close relationships between faculty, staff, and students, fostering personal and intellectual growth.